The attacking midfielder joined Cimbom from Inter in the January transfer window and, after a slow start to his spell in Turkey, has proceeded to feature against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, before claiming his first Super Lig title.

And in the wake of his side's championship success, Sneijder underlined how he has grown accustomed to life in Istanbul, despite initial reservations, to the extent he is contemplating the idea of residing in the city once he has retired from football.

"I don't usually struggle to settle wherever I go but I really feel welcome here. [Didier] Drogba also feels the same. We are a big family here at Galatasaray," the 28-year-old told Sabah.

"I was speaking about this with my wife the other day, I haven't experienced this kind of love at either [Real] Madrid or [Inter] Milan and I could really see myself living the rest of my life in Istanbul.

"I have always aimed to play for the best clubs in the world - Galatasaray are one of them. I have lots of Turkish friends in football and they introduced me to Turkish football so I knew all about Galatasaray.

"I had no question marks over Galatasaray. The only thing I was unsure about was the Turkish league - whether it was strong or competitive enough.

"However, after my first game I found out just how tough the league is. Every team raise their game against us and always put up a challenge."

The Netherlands international also praised Galatasaray's fans as being among the best he has ever played in front of.

"First of all I want to say that I will always have the utmost respect for Inter fans," Sneijder added.

"But words can't explain what it's like to play in front of Galatasaray fans. It's not something that can be described but something you can only experience.

"I've never seen anything like it and I don't think there is anything that comes close. The supporters really are incredible, the chants, the banners, the choreography is just amazing.